Serious Assault

Serious Assault

Assault charges cover a range of situations, with some charges being more serious than others. The level of assault charged usually depends on various factors, such as, the intention of the accused and the level of injuries suffered by the victim.

Self-defence can be argued as a defence to a charge of assault if it can be shown that the accused used reasonable force in the circumstances.

It is crucial that anyone facing a charge of serious assault gets advice from an experienced solicitor who can advise and support them through this often stressful time. Our expert criminal defence lawyers can provide this and guide you through the whole process as well as representing you in court. Our solicitors have the expertise to present a robust defence against charges made against you to ensure the best outcome possible.

What is the difference between the two types of GBH?

A charge of GBH (section 20 offence under the Offences Against the Person Act 1861) involves the accused causing serious injury to another. This can be a physical injury, such as broken bones or causing a disability, a psychological injury or the transmission of a disease. This offence can be heard in either the Crown Court (maximum 5 years imprisonment) or the Magistrates Court (maximum 6 months imprisonment), depending on the severity of the case. A section 20 offence does not require the intent to cause GBH but rather requires the accused to have been reckless as to the risk of causing serious injury by his/her actions.

Causing GBH with intent (a section 18 offence under the Offences Against the Person Act 1861) is the most serious assault charge. Not only does this require the presence of the serious injuries required for a section 20 offence, but it also requires the prosecution to prove that the accused intended the cause those serious injuries. The maximum sentence is life, which is the same as a murder or manslaughter charge (though it is not mandatory as it is with murder).

The most common defence for either of these offences is self-defence which will rely heavily on the facts of the case. This is why it is very important to get expert legal advice as early as possible in a case so that all avenues can be fully investigated on your behalf.

Why chose JSP Law

If you are facing a charge for serious assault it is important that you seek legal advice at the earliest stage possible before disclosing any information to the police or entering a plea. At JSP our team have enviable levels of experience and a professional reputation for providing the best advice and representation for clients facing the most serious of charges.

We have dealt with a number of high-profile cases involving significant press attention which requires not only sound judgement when advising but also a clear focus on ensuring that defendants are not prejudiced by what appears in the media.

Click here to see the serious assault cases that we have recently been involved in and are currently instructed in.

If you are facing a serious assault charge then you should seek expert legal advice immediately before disclosing any information to the police or entering a plea. At JSP our team have enviable levels of experience and a professional reputation for providing the best advice and representation for clients facing the most serious of charges.

We have dealt with a number of high-profile cases involving significant press attention which requires not only sound judgement when advising but also a clear focus on ensuring that defendants are not prejudiced by what appears in the media.